Efficacy of Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol in the Management of Childhood Karshya (Undernutrition) - An Overview of the Research Works

Background: Childhood undernutrition is an underlying cause in an estimated 35% of deaths among children under five and 21% of total global disability adjusted life years lost among less than 5 years children. The condition Karshya (undernutrition) mentioned in Ayurveda has a similar etiology and the features mentioned for undernutrition. Aim: Understand various researched treatment protocols conducted on Karshya in Children. Materials & Methods: Research works conducted in Department of Kaumarbhritya (branch of child care) at IPGT & RA, Jamnagar was screened, analyzed and cited. Results: Two principles of management have been researched in the studies referred Viz Bruhmana (anabolic) and Prinana (replenishing) therapy. Shivamodaka (Ayurvedic compound formulation) along with Yapana Basti (medicated enema) have shown the highest proportion of improvement in weight. BMI has been improved maximum by Kshirabala Taila (medicated oil) Basti. Breast milk enema has also shown to improve weight in neonates and infants by 26.5%. Conclusion: The overview of the research works reveals that the researched treatment protocol is effective in management of Karshya with specificity to age.